Newlyn Coastal Research and Development ExoRock Trial
➤ November 2020-Autumn 2022 ➤Newlyn, Cornwall ➤SARCC ➤Environment Agency ➤ KIER
Problem
Traditional approaches to coastal defense generally fail to create habitats which support biodiversity. The Newlyn trial in Cornwall forms part of the Interreg funded SARCC (Sustainable and Resilient Coastal Cities) project, studying the effectiveness of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) for coastal defences.
Solution
Twelve of our ExoRocks were deployed on the Newlyn breakwater in 2020. The units featured a variety of our newest designs, all seeking to increase the surface complexity of our units and offer unique microhabitats. Our units were subsequently studied and monitored by the Environment Agency until autumn 2022. This project demonstrated the ability for our ExoRocks to function as effective erosion control, whilst also allowing us to study how their unique heterogeneous surface textures aids bio-colonisation.
Results
This project demonstrated the ability for our ExoRocks to function as effective erosion control, whilst also allowing us to study how their unique heterogeneous surface textures aids bio-colonisation.
One year into deployment, bio-colonisation of pioneer algal biofilms and higher trophic organisms were well underway. Species present included filamentous seaweed Enteromorpha, Periwinkles Littorina saxatalis and Bladder wrack seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. This cover of macroalgae had provided the conditions needed for molluscs and gastropods to thrive on the units, illustrating the potential for these types of Nature-Inclusive Designs to support biodiversity whilst protecting our coastlines.
